The government

The members of the House of Lords are not elected: they qualify to sit in the House because they are bishops of the Church of England, aristocrats who have inherited their seats from their fathers, people with titles.

The members of the House of Lords are not elected: they qualify to sit in the House because they are bishops of the Church of England, aristocrats who have inherited their seats from their fathers, people with titles.

The House of Lords comprises about 800 peers. The house is presided over by the Lord Chancellor. The House of Lords has no real power but acts as an advisory council for the House of Commons. As well as having legislative functions, the Lords is the highest court of appeal.

The House of Lords comprises about 800 peers. The house is presided over by the Lord Chancellor. The House of Lords has no real power but acts as an advisory council for the House of Commons. As well as having legislative functions, the Lords is the highest court of appeal.

The House of Commons consists of Members of Parliament (MPs) who are elected by the adult suffrage of the British people in general elections which are held at least every five years. The country is divided into 650 constituencies each of which elects one Member of Parliament. The Commons has 650 Members of Parliament. The party which wins the most seats forms the Government and its leader becomes the Prime Minister.

The House of Commons consists of Members of Parliament (MPs) who are elected by the adult suffrage of the British people in general elections which are held at least every five years. The country is divided into 650 constituencies each of which elects one Member of Parliament. The Commons has 650 Members of Parliament. The party which wins the most seats forms the Government and its leader becomes the Prime Minister.

The functions of Commons are legislation and security of government activities. The House is presided over by the Speaker.

The present sovereign is Queen Elizabeth II who was crowned in Westminster Abbey in 1953.